Mac in frame as RSPCA 'dog of year'

Mac, a four-year-old white and tan crossbreed belonging to Alison Ashton, is among seven regional winners who will now do battle in an on-line vote.

Mac was taken to the RSPCA in Chesterfield when he was almost a year old. He was emaciated, scared and had been owned by a young man who was unable to afford his upkeep.

New owner Alison took him to dog classes and together they overcame his fears. She said: “Mac really is a rescue dog. In the last three years he has done as much for me as anything I’ve done for him. He is eager to learn new things and we are working towards the Good Citizens Silver award. We are inseparable and best friends.”

Dog-lovers can vote online for their favourite four-legged heat winner by logging onto the www.rspca.org.uk/doty website. The six dogs with the most votes will go on to a grand final. Readers will be able to vote for the dog they most want to be crowned the nation’s RSPCA Dog of the Year. The overall winner will be announced in November.